BMW 135i vs Mclaren 675LT @ Autodrom Sonoma

McLaren 675LT refuses to let my BMW pass…

Yet it was still no less fun being behind it! It's a privelege and honor to share the track with these supercars.

The McLaren driver was shown the blue flag [0:25] to yield and move aside for my BMW after tailing for a few laps and getting close. It's possible he didn't see the flag or realize anyone was on his tail. There were a few opportunities for a pass, but that power! Quite amazing to behold.

Watch the McLaren 675LT practically disappear on the straights with its 666 hp versus my 300 hp. Combined with its superior cornering ability and lighter weight (400lbs less), it surely can leave my car in a world of dust after one or two corners, but the driver was likely exercising some caution on his $350,000+ toy...while I was exercising as much fun as possible out of the 135i :)

Just one McLaren driver and one BMW driver having lots of fun. However, one of them is arguably having a little more fun... Enjoy the chase!

(Please note this was an HPDE in the advanced open passing run group at Sonoma Raceway. Due to the nature of this event, I maintained a safe distance in the corners, avoided making any aggressive moves to pass, and used less throttle and/or more brakes than necessary entering Turns 6, 10, 3, 3A, & 4. In the interest of safety, I chose to wait for a point-by from the McLaren driver due to the impressive power of his car and in case he was not aware of me.

At the beginning of this session, the McLaren was further ahead by at least 6-7 seconds as I take the first lap easy. The video starts after I caught up which took 4-5 laps. Based on the recovered gap between us, I ran at a pace by an average of 1-2 seconds faster per lap in this particular session.)

BMW 135i setup: stock tune, 235/265 Hankook R-S3, Ohlins R&T, Quaife LSD, M3 arms/bushings, Vorshlag camber plates at -2.2, PFC-08 pads with RB stainless steel pistons + Castrol SRF. Dyno at 270hp/272tq at the wheels. Weight at 3520lbs with driver.

Cooling: Distilled water as engine coolant plus 2 bottles of Redline WaterWetter.

Cameras: GoPro HERO5 for the main footage, HERO4 Black for steering, HERO4 Silver for rear view, and HERO3+ Black for pedals.

Music is "Never Sober" by Avenza

#supercars #sonomaraceway #mclaren